Online resource packed with regulatory news and expert guidance, tips & tools pertinent to professionals across the post-acute care continuum.
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is reminding providers of the rules around administering the COVID-19 vaccine after complaints from patients charged for the vaccine and other reports of fraud and abuse around vaccine distribution. OIG is reminding all participating providers that they: must administer COVID-19 Vaccine with no out-of-pocket […]
All of us are facing the uncertainty and burdens of dealing with COVID-19’s impact on the workplace. One issue revolves around when employees have good cause to abandon their jobs because of the risks created by the virus. The Arkansas Court of Appeals recently addressed the question and sided with the employee. Tracy Keener was […]
Access to COVID-19 vaccines continues to expand in the United States, and employers are navigating many questions about employee vaccinations and return to work. Current polling shows a substantial number of workers are hesitant about getting the shots or may refuse to be vaccinated against the virus. Now, a New Mexico employee has filed what […]
Q: As case managers strive to best support patients recovering from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), what are some of the most important things to keep in mind? A: Ellen Fink-Samnick, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCM, CCTP, CMHIMP, CRP, DBH(s), of EFS Supervision Strategies LLC, in Burke, Virginia offers five strategies for supporting COVID-19 patients. Discharge to […]
CMS has announced increased payment rates for administering the COVID-19 vaccines. “This new and higher payment rate will support important actions taken by providers that are designed to increase the number of vaccines they can furnish each day, including establishing new or growing existing vaccination sites, conducting patient outreach and education, and hiring additional staff,” […]
Q: Do we need to submit a formal request to CMS for any of the COVID-19-related waivers to apply? Do we need to keep records or documentation pertaining to which waivers we’ve used and the services they apply to? A: Fortunately, most of the Medicare waivers issued in response to COVID-19 are what are referred […]
Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued guidance titled “Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace.” The new guidance, which is advisory, addresses not only some of the more commonplace safety practices but also other employment policies and practices not as readily associated with workplace safety.As […]
The state of Texas has been devastated in recent weeks by a winter storm that has led to freezing weather, and state-wide rolling blackouts. In an attempt to offer support to SNFs affected by the winter storm, CMS is offering support in the following areas: Medical equipment and supplies replacements: Under the COVID-19 waivers, CMS […]
The long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine’s arrival has provided a ray of sunshine for employers hoping for a better 2021. But it also raised a slew of questions: How long until my workforce has access to it? Can I require all employees to be vaccinated? What if an individual worker refuses? Let’s look at the reasoning behind […]
Q: Can we use U07.1 (COVID-19 virus, identified) for suspected COVID-19 cases? A: The ICD-10-CM guidelines now state you can only code confirmed cases of COVID-19, and only positive COVID-19 test results can be reported as well. For a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, code U07.1 should be reported. This is an exception to inpatient coding guidelines, […]